Poll reveals NFL ratings fell over national anthem protests

A recent poll by J.D. Power revealed that the dip in NFL ratings last season was largely due to players kneeling during the national anthem, the Associated Press reported.

According to the survey, 9,200 people who went to either a football, basketball or hockey game were asked if they watched fewer games broadcasted and to give their reasoning.

Twenty six percent of people who tuned out of watching football said it was because players knelt during the anthem.

It’s worth noting only 12 percent of those surveyed said they stopped watching NFL coverage, which equates to roughly 1,100 people.

When a team switches from an established 3-4 to a Seahawks-inspired 4-3, as the 49ers are under new defensive coordinator Robert Saleh, pass-rushing linemen Cheap Hats And Jerseys become big needs. So it was a no-brainer for Lynch to use the No. 3 overall pick on Stanford’s Solomon Thomas, a Michael Bennett-like outside-inside Cheap High Quality Jerseys freak.

Saleh knows he can play Thomas at either end or tackle and get production. The other somewhat known quantity is former Dolphin Earl Mitchell, signed as stopgap at 4-3 nose, albeit a fading, older one. The two Oregon Ducks drafted as 3-4 first-rounders by the previous front office, Arik Armstead and DeForest Buckner, are more wild cards. With their massive frames, they are both suited to stay outside, but it’s unclear whether their explosiveness will translate well as such scheme-specific picks. Buckner is the better bet to build on a strong rookie season and find a higher level of production.

Lynch and Saleh will need make do with this group and re-evaluate in the short term. Solid depth in the rotation, a key for Seattle, is also lacking. Thomas is a can’t-miss, but the rest of the starting line options feel more bust than boom.